Mixed feelings at Everton

The past few weeks have been pretty turbulent for Everton, although the positives by far outweigh the negatives. The impressive run of results, which included the win over Chelsea among others, saw the Toffees climb to ninth place in the Premiership standings, while David Moyes’ side also defeated Sporting in the Europa League. Nevertheless, they ended up conceding the cheap late goal in that match, while the biggest negative highlight of this period is the ankle injury to Marouane Fellaini that will sideline him for the rest of the season. Don’t let me get started on that tackle by Sotiris Kyrgiakos.

Since the team were plagued by injuries for so long, we have forgotten how well Everton play when David Moyes can choose from nearly fully fit squad but the past few weeks have reminded us of what that is like. The wins over City, Sunderland, Wigan and Chelsea would have weighed even more if we had taken our chances and beaten the sorry Liverpool but the good thing is the players have responded well to the defeat by beating Chelsea and then Sporting as well. Let’s just hope the late goal conceded against the Portuguese won’t cost us the place in the next stage of Europa League.

As far as team selection is concerned, everybody was delighted to see Mikel Arteta back in action and even though he is still far from the desired form, the sole presence of the Spaniard in the side makes things a whole lot easier. Jack Rodwell is also back and should be fully fit in no time, while Phil Jagielka and Tony Hibbert are also closing in on their return. However, the ankle injury to Marouane Fellaini couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Belgian was on top of his game for quite a while and was clearly the key part in our midfield in the absence of Arteta but he became the victim of Kyrgiakos’ blatant challenge and will now miss next six months of action.

If there is a coach that can get the most of the cards he is dealt, it’s definitely David Moyes and that is what makes him one of the best managers in the Premiership. I have absolutely no doubt he will find a way to make the most out of the players he’s got, especially now that Arteta is back into action. If I was an online betting expert, I would put my money on Everton keeping the rich vein of form despite the recent developments.

The rise of Marouane Fellaini

A lot of people were wandering what the hell was David Moyes thinking when he decided the spend £15 million on an unproven player from Belgian League but the doubters were forced to eat their words after seeing Marouane Fellaini play. The Belgian whiz kid first stood out with his Afro hairstyle but it was not long before everybody could see just what a great player he is. After just two years at Goodison Park, Fellaini has become one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the Premiership and we can all just hope he stays at Everton for as long as possible.

Fellaini’s talent was quickly recognized by the scouts in Belgium but his first professional contract was signed with Standard Liege, the club that were looking to return to old glory days. He helped the club to the first league title after 25 years, while his impressive performances for both Standard and Belgium national team attracted attention from big European clubs. Everton wasted no time in luring the midfielder to Goodison Park, paying a club record of £15 million for Fellaini. The money well spent as it would turn out to be.

Due to numerous injuries to star players and pretty small squad, the Belgian instantly became a first team regular at Everton and the prolonged run in the starting line-up further aided his development. David Moyes used him in the number of positions in midfield, while Fellaini even played a couple of games as a striker. His commanding performances in the centre of the park have quickly enchanted Everton fans, as well as scouts from the biggest clubs in England and Chelsea are reportedly pretty keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge.

Marouane Fallaini is very confident on the ball and he knows how to play his way out of trouble, while his superior height to most of his opponents helps him win almost every ball he challenges for in the air. The Belgian is simply an all round player every manager could only wish for and no wonder he is held in such high regard by fans and journalists alike.

The Belgian picked up an ankle injury in the first half of the Merseyside derby and that was probably the turning point of the match since Everton are simply not the same team without him. The injury is not as serious as it was first feared and he should return in time for the decisive battles in both Premiership and Europa League, which would be a big boost for the Toffees. If I was an online betting enthusiast, I would put my money on Fellaini becoming one of true Premiership greats.

Can Everton save this season?

Having finished last season in 5th place, Everton were expected to build on that result this term and maybe even enter the top 4 race but the Toffees kept underachieving and they even struggled to escape the danger zone. Selection problems were nothing new for David Moyes but numerous injuries to star players certainly took the wind out of their sails and prevented them from reaching full potential. Nevertheless, the situation seems to be improving and there is still enough time for Everton to save this season.

The Toffees have hit the ground running lately and quickly climbed to the top part of the Premiership standings thanks to some impressive performances but the most important thing is that the injured players are slowly returning into action. The heart and soul of this team, Mikel Arteta have returned into action after the lengthy spell on the sidelines and even though he will need a couple of weeks to reach top form, it is definitely pleasing to see him on the pitch again. Jack Rodwell, Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan are slowly gaining match fitness after successful recovery from injuries and they will give Moyes more options in the crucial stage of the season.

The gaffer also managed to boost competition for places by signing Landon Donovan and Philippe Senderos on loan, while a couple of more new players could follow. With Joseph Yobo and Yakubu Ayegbeni returning from Africa Cup of Nations very soon, Moyes will finally have big enough squad to choose from and that should help us continue climbing the Premiership ladder.

I have been particularly pleased by the impact of young Seamus Coleman, who is showing great maturity for such a fragile age and I am sure Rodwell and Gosling would have also proved their enormous potential if they hadn’t been sidelined with injuries. It is good to know that there is always fresh bunch of youngsters coming through the ranks and that should remain one of main Everton goals.

All things considered, future looks very bright for Everton and even if they fail to do something bigger this term, next season will be theirs. Obviously, everybody at the club are hoping the infirmary will not be a busy place in the future since if anybody deserves a full squad to choose from, it is David Moyes.